Police unaware of baby in Kumeu pursuit

Three people have been injured, including a five-month-old baby girl, following a high-speed police chase in west Auckland today.

According to police, the 22-year-old male driver was arrested after he accelerated away from police and lost control of the car, causing it to roll on State Highway 16 near Kumeu.

The crash happened west of Huapai at the entrance to Coopers Creek Vineyard at 10:50am.

Police say the car was driving in the opposite direction passing the patrol car at a speed of 124 km/h. Officers performed a U-turn and signalled for the car to stop. The driver pulled over for a short period of time before suddenly accelerating away at speeds of up to 150 km/h.

Police say they were not aware of the baby girl in the back of the car, and immediately applied first aid on the child when they found her lying next to the car.

The male driver has transported to Auckland Hospital by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter with moderate injuries. He is being monitored by police.

Police say he was breaching his bail, is on a number of active charges and is a forbidden driver.

The baby in the rear of the car has also been transported to hospital, and the mother who was in the front seat with moderate to minor injuries.

The baby girl is not thought to have life-threatening injuries but is currently undergoing a series of tests and observations.

The incident will be reported to the IPCA.

The driver will be charged with a number of offences upon his release from bail.